Minneapolis best?

I'm a NYC hound who will be in Minneapolis for four days and want to experience some of the best food there is to offer. So far, places that we are considering include Grand Cafe for breakfast, and Restaurant Alma, 112 Eatery, Five Restaurant & Street Lounge, Masa and Lucia's for meals.

Any thoughts on these as well as other recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks so much and I cannot wait to visit.

Grand Cafe has had an unfortunate chef change (the chef died in the past week or so), so, it's in a little transition right now.

Masa is fine, but not in the class of the others you mention. If you're looking for the most upscale Mexican restaurant with table service, etc., in the Twin Cities, it probably qualifies, though Barrio tequila bar might give it a run for the money if you don't mean sit-down dining...

really? i would SO hesitate to go to grand cafe so soon. . . the crew there is so tiny and close, they were all devastated and will likely be in considerable emotional pain for some time. i'd be afraid to ask my server for more syrup and have her/him burst into tears randomly or something----it's just not a good time right now for this restaurant. depending on what day of the week the op would be in town, & what area s/he is staying in, i'd say some of the restaurants listed serve great weekend brunch (lucia's, strip club, meritage). weekday is a bit trickier, but still with some great breakfast options.

From people who know them best there, their fear is that people will stay away for this very reason. I'll be going this week to show support for the restaurant, which I love, and the staff (particularly Mary, who has always been incredibly sweet to us).

- Alma is jfood's favorite. and if you want a great lunch by the same owner go to his rotisserie place, Brasa for an outstanding pork or beef sandwich- Same owner for 112 and Bar La Grassa. Other than the foie gras meatbhalls at 112, jfood finds BLG much more inventive.- jfood also thinks Meritage in SP is tops and places Craftsman right behind it. jfood also a big fan of strip club

- another place for local food is corner table, check the website for the menu

I would forget Masa for sure. Bland/boring and not at all special. You may want to try Ngon Bistro. Its a nice Vietnamese-French sort of fusion that's really nice. It can be a bit too noisy inside — too many hard surfaces — but the food is good and unique.